No abstract

In the present investigation, two fungicides viz. Bavistin and Dithane M-45 were tested for the effect on soil mycoflora with special reference to mycorrhizal fungi of sunflower crop. It was evident from the results that the two fungicides had different effects on soil mycoflora. Reduction of various species of soil fungi was more extensive in first twenty days in comparison with the later half of the experimental period. The fungicidal effect of both fungicides decreased with increase of time and it resulted in reappearance of certain fungi after a certain period of time. Regarding the effect of fungicides on sunflower growth and phosphorus content, it was found that as the concentration of the fungicides increased, the growth decreased and minimum growth was observed in 1% concentration of Bavistin as well as of Dithane M-45. Both fungicides had deleterious effect on mycorrhizal spore number and percentage mycorrhizal root colonization.